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Perinatal

Provision of the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection (VPDC) data for statistical and research purposes

The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM) encourages the release of data to health professionals for statistical and research purposes; however, the CCOPMM operates under a strict confidentiality code and no information which identifies any patient, practitioner or institution can be disclosed in a any report produced by CCOPMM.

The CCOPMM reviews all requests for data.
  1. All requests for unpublished information should be provided in writing - Request for access to data
    Include a telephone number with your written request so that, if the need arises, we are able to clarify exactly what data you want so that the information you require is extracted. The Consultant Epidemiologist, Health Information Managers or the Research and Liaison midwife are happy to discuss your request with you, and assist with the wording of the request.

  2. A copy of the request will be forwarded to the CCOPMM representative for approval
    The CCOPMM's main consideration is the confidentiality of the information i.e. that information released will not identify individual mothers, babies, practitioners or hospitals.

  3. Once approval for the release of the data is received (usually a one to two day turnaround period), the requested data are extracted and sent (within 4-6 weeks, depending on the nature of the request).

  4. If individual hospitals request data relating to their own hospital only, e.g. postcodes of residence of women giving birth at their hospital, this request does not need specific approval from the CCOPMM.

  5. Any formal proposal involving extensive perinatal data provision must conform to the National Health and Medical Research Council National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans 1999. Before the project can begin, a properly constituted Humans Research Ethics Committee must have given approval.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

Data Manager, Clinical Council's Unit
GPO BOX 4003
Melbourne Vic 3001

Enquiries
Telephone:
National (03) 9096 2695 or 1300 858 505
International (61 3) 9096 2695
Fax:
National (03) 9096 2700
International (61 3) 9096 2700
Email:
perinatal.data@dhs.vic.gov.au

Alternatively a request for access to data can be completed and sent or faxed to the above address.

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